Final Remembrance
Harry felt more drained than he had immediately after the fight had ended. But for his own sake, and for everyone's sake, he had one last thing to say. One final remembrance.
"There are many who died fighting. There are many who died as innocent victims."
"Remember what Dumbledore said, three years ago. Remember Cedric Diggory. He was the first innocent victim."
"Dumbledore's words are more important today than they were three years ago. What he was telling us was not simply to remember his name, but all that he represented. Goodness. Innocence. Sacrifice. His feelings for his fellow students. Our feelings for him."
Harry's eyes met Cho Chang's across the room. She nodded slightly, the faintest nod of agreement, or approval, Harry didn't know which.
"So today I repeat Dumbledore's words. That we should all remember Cedric Diggory…and all others like him."
Harry paused, thinking about his parents. And someone else's.
He took a deep breath, and looked over to the side, where Neville Longbottom was looking at him. "Neville?"
Neville stood up, and walked over. Without a stammer, without hesitation, he spoke. "Remember all of our friends and our family who have fallen in this battle. Remember those that did not die, but were wounded in ways that can never be healed. As long as we remember, their sacrifice is not in vain."
"I hope we always remember our happy times together in the past…and that we are always grateful for the future that they helped save."
Neville turned, and he and Harry hugged. Two orphaned boys who grew up in two different ways. Destiny had set them apart, but in the end, they were not so different after all.
Author's Notes:
I was in need of comforting after book 7, so that is why I wrote this. I hope you liked it. I really do appreciate reviews and comments. Thanks for reading and I hope to continue writing (what I'm not exactly sure), so see you next time.